Hi there,
We are the Parsons Family - Diane, my wife is the Mama; Joshua, our 'eldest' son is 14; Caleb, our 'adoption-in-process' son is 13 months; Joseph, our 'unadopted' son is 5 and a half months; and I Mark am the Papa.
This coming May of 2010, we will have served in Thailand for 2 years. Previously, we served for 4 years in Hubei Province of China.
Since this is our 'first day' of blogging, I want to tell a little more about our family. We are from Canada, but both Caleb and Joseph are Thai citizens. Caleb, is from the Lahu tribe which is a minority 'hilltribe' people from China, Burma [Myanmar], and Thailand. Joseph, his mother is maybe from Burma - but we know nothing about his father. We are missionaries in Thailand and also to China. Here are some pictures of Joshua, Caleb and Joseph. 
We have just come back from a Lahu village yesterday where we stayed for 4 days. The village is out in the countryside from Mae Chan in North Thailand. Unfortunately, almost the whole village are 'animists' or under the influence of 'demon worship'. They pray to 'spirits' and offer many sacrifices to have protection. They also worship trees, rivers, and many other things.Pray for the Lahu people.
Thai people are Buddists - they worship the 'image of Budda' who is supposed to protect and bless them for their 'merit' [good works]. As well, Thai people keep 'spirit houses' on their property' to keep peace with the spirits [ghosts and demons] who occupy their land. Every day we come into contact with the Thai people and see their lives without the 'One True God'.
Today, it is very hot - but mostly it is only hot in the afternoons this time of year. Joshua is out raking our yard. Caleb is just up from his nap and Joseph is still sleeping.
Blessings!!
Mark
